Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Using Heart Electrical Signals to Study How Well Treatments Prevent Dangerous Heart Rhythms in Active People

This research aims to understand if specific electrical patterns in the heart can help identify active individuals at risk of dangerous heart rhythms, like those that cause sudden cardiac arrest. Researchers will use standard ECGs during rest and exercise, as well as a continuous 24-hour ECG, to record these electrical signals. The study is particularly interested in whether exercise tests can provide similar information to more invasive hospital procedures. By comparing athletes with implanted heart devices (like ICDs) to those without, the team hopes to discover new, non-invasive ways to screen for and manage inherited heart conditions and prevent serious heart problems in active people.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Leicester

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2026

Inherited Cardiac Conditions Sudden Cardiac Arrest Ventricular Arrhythmia Athlete Ventricular Fibrillation

What is this study about?

This study is investigating how the electrical signals in your heart can tell us about your risk of developing dangerous heart rhythms, especially if you lead an active lifestyle. These dangerous rhythms can sometimes lead to sudden cardiac arrest, which is a very serious condition where the heart suddenly stops beating effectively.

The main idea is to see if we can spot particular patterns in your heart's electrical activity, measured with a simple electrocardiogram (ECG), that might indicate a higher risk. We also want to know if an exercise test, which is a common and non-invasive way to check heart health, can give us the same important information as more involved hospital tests that look at your heart's electricity.

By understanding these electrical signals better, especially in people who exercise regularly, researchers hope to find easier and safer ways to identify those who might be at risk. This could lead to better screening and management strategies to prevent serious heart problems and keep active individuals safe.

Key takeaways

This study explores heart electrical signals in active people.
It aims to predict dangerous heart rhythms and sudden cardiac arrest.
Compares athletes with and without implanted heart devices (ICDs, pacemakers).
Uses non-invasive tests: ECGs during rest, exercise, and a 24-hour period.
Seeks simpler ways to identify heart risks without invasive procedures.
Could help improve future heart screening for active individuals.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 and over who regularly participate in physical activity for at least three hours a week. We are particularly interested in two groups: those who have an implanted heart device like an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) or a pacemaker, and those who do not have any heart device.

To join, you need to be able to understand and speak English, and willingly agree to take part by signing a consent form after discussing it with the study team.

However, you cannot take part if you are pregnant, cannot follow the study instructions, or have certain other heart conditions like stents, bypass surgery, or severe, uncontrolled heart rhythm problems. If you have a fever or are unwell with a fever, you also won't be able to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you do at least 3 hours of physical activity each week?
Do you have an implanted heart device (like an ICD or pacemaker), or no heart device at all?
Can you understand and speak English well?
Are you not pregnant?
Do you not have any unstable or serious heart rhythm problems?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have a few assessments. Firstly, you will have standard ECG recordings taken both while you are resting and during an exercise test. This helps us see how your heart's electrical activity changes with physical effort.

If you have an ICD or pacemaker, an additional ECG will be recorded during a safe, non-invasive test where your device is briefly checked without surgery. You will also wear a portable ECG monitor for a full 24 hours to track your heart's electrical activity continuously during your daily life.

There are no study medications involved. The total duration of your active participation will involve a few visits for these tests, typically completed within a short period.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us better understand heart conditions in active people, potentially leading to improved ways to identify and prevent serious heart rhythm problems in the future. There are generally very few risks associated with the tests, which include standard ECGs and exercise tests, though some people might feel a little tired after exercise. If you have an implanted device, the non-invasive check is a routine procedure. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Glenfield Hospital
Verified postcode
Leicester, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is an ECG?

An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a simple, painless test that records your heart's electrical activity, showing how fast it's beating and if it has a regular rhythm.

What is an ICD?

An ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) is a small device placed under your skin that constantly monitors your heart rhythm and can deliver an electrical shock if it detects a dangerous rhythm.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. It focuses on recording your heart's electrical signals.

How long will the study appointments take?

The study involves a few appointments for ECGs, an exercise test, and wearing a 24-hour monitor. We will provide detailed timings when you express interest.

Can I still participate if I have a pacemaker?

Yes, if you have a pacemaker, you may still be able to participate. We are looking at both people with and without implanted devices.

How to find out more

Abdulmalik I Koya, MD

aik8@leicester.ac.uk +4407990290755 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.